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Renovation work to the interior of the Grade I and Grade II-listed building has included refurbishing the 20 bedrooms, with en-suites in six rooms, creating a new lounge and computer suite, and a new open reception area.

Plumbing, electrics and heating have also been renewed throughout the building, which continued to operate while work was carried out.

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Willow Walk was built in 1817, and has been helping to transform the lives of rough sleepers since 1874. The facelift comes as the city is in the grip of a homeless crisis with the number of rough sleepers rocketing.

One of the key elements of Willow Walk’s success is Riverside’s Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs), which help people to increase their self-esteem, belief and hope, so they receive support for longer and achieve their goals.

Laurel added: “The lounge area is much better and is now linked to the garden. The reception area is completely transformed – it’s more welcoming and inviting to residents, which is line with the PIEs approach that we use.

"Feedback I’ve had from everyone is really good, and residents chose the colour scheme throughout the building.

“The day has been really enjoyable and it’s been great catching up with past residents who have successfully moved on and are now living in their own accommodation.

“Throughout the building’s 200-year existence it has always served as a place for the homeless, so we hope this transformation provides a safe and welcoming environment and continues to support many more people for the next few hundred years.”

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The renovation was made possible with funding from Riverside, Cambridge City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Cllr Kevin Price, the city council's executive councillor for housing, said: “Our partnership with Riverside is key in the work done to help rough sleepers change their lives for the better, and the wonderful renovation works will also provide a great environment for all the clients.”

Riverside is the third largest provider of homelessness services in the country, and its Care and Support operation works with over 16,000 customers every year.